"There are lots of people who aren't hurting, but there are lots of people who are." - Isaiah

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

port in hand

The port's last night.

pre-op consult

before: Isaiah felt good. after: "I just can't focus! Did they take it out? Focus!"

After walking Isaiah to the operating room and saying goodbye, I squeezed in a quick research appointment while he was in surgery. On my way back to the hospital, I received this text from Carmen:

The surgeon just handed me Isaiah's port! Matthy is using it as a rattle. Praise God all went well! One incision. No complications. I get to see Isaiah in ten minutes. I just can't wait to see how he feels "port free."

We shot this video while we were waiting...and waiting...and waiting...

Just amazing! On one hand I'm blown away at how strong and courageous he is with everything and then I think about all that he's had to go through to make 'deporting' seem like a piece of cake!It's wonderful to hear that it went well and without issue.Moving on to LIFE!!I-thank you again for teaching me how to embrace life, stay strong and TRUST!! You're amazing!!

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Matthias Judah

There are more pictures of Matthias and reflections on his birth at nathanoates.com

beautiful mommy

summer vacation 2009

We just returned from a beautiful 3 weeks in the midwest!

fondu

messy = fun

self portrait

Merry Christmas Friends!

Thank you to all of you who have sent us pictures and updates! It's great to see your faces once again. We've not been able to put something together this year (yet!), so here's a quick update for those who visit us here:

Carmen: doing a great job teaching our kids at home this year, running, hiked Half Dome, lovingly and consistently caring for all of us (and lots of others).

Sienna: super-creative and always nurturing, loves studying at home, played soccer, raised chickens and looking forward to horse-riding lessons in '09. See pictures of her 8th birthday here.

Isaiah: 08 highlights include playing t-ball, learning to swim, riding his bike, a trip to Disneyland, trip to Alabama, and lots of playing.

Nathan: ran a 25K trail run at Stinson Beach, loved our family vacation in San Diego, and is so grateful for our staff, church community, and the ongoing adventure of leading/serving Emmaus. Nate blogs very infrequently here; you can access his pod/vodcasts here.

13 years!

stinson beach

batman and his magic fairy

pirates and mermaids

master and apprentice

(but which is the master and which is the apprentice?) Isaiah and Lyle duel in Birmingham

garage band

buddies

thanks Lincoln HS students!

Students from Mrs. Nelson's and Mrs Pierce's classes recently raised money for Isaiah. Here he is receiving the generous gift from our friend, Mrs. Nelson

Forever Be Strong

Our church community's first worship album releases Easter Sunday. It includes a song written for Isaiah called "Forever Be Strong." You can download it here.

Isaiah's t-ball games begin March 20th

2008!

There are many ways you can continue to pray for Isaiah. He has some exciting goals ahead in 2008!Here is the list:

1)Get Strong! He does physical therapy at home 3-5 times per week and at the office 2 times per month.2)Play Ball! He is working hard to get ready for T-Ball season. Pray he will play and that his compression fractures will heal.3)Learn at Home! He is working on Kindergarten school work at home. Many factors make school work a challenge. Pray for a healthy brain and a desire to learn.

big support

We're continually encouraged by all of you who visit this site. In the last two months we've received hits from 22 countries!

isaiah nathan

superman

Thank you for praying for our sweet son. On his first day in the hospital, Isaiah told his mom, "I will get strong again." We'll keep you updated and celebrate his progress here.
"I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous..." - joshua 1:5,6

stay strong

pre-bedtime pep talk

solidarity

Some of the men of Emmaus have shaved their heads in support of Isaiah. From left: Rick, Nate, Steve (Isaiah's godfather), and Sal. This means more than we can express.

isaiah's community of support

I recently hooked up Isaiah's blog to google analytics (and am kicking myself for not figuring this out earlier). But just to give you a glimpse into the remarkable support network of which you're a part, consider this:

In the last 11 days, Isaiah's blog has beenviewed 1015 times,by 324 different people,in 134 cities,including those in 27 states,and 8 countries.

Thank you for sharing life with us!

Isaiah and Sienna in September

What's Next...

12/21 Should be a simple blood, etc. check at the clinic. We're down to every-other-week appointments for a season!

even more thank yous to...

the students of Amber Bobst's 2nd grade class from Eastside Christian School in Belleview, WA for the cards

all those who have contributed to our gas and groceries fund...you're keeping us going!

all the Emmaus families who have brought dinner to us in recent weeks

the Harrington family for the picnic package

Anne for the book and CD

The Hoke family for the birthday bird

Goebel, Linville, Nutti, and Ferrara families for the great gift certificate

Doris for the pint of ice cream

Emmaus for being the Church and supporting us in countless ways...for the gifts for Isaiah and Sienna...we're so thankful to be sharing life and discovering Jesus with you.

Betsy for the care package for the kids

Diane for the one-prize-a-day gift

Glenda for the beautiful superman quilt

Mrs. Liden for the SuperIsaiah cape and blanket

The Keaton Raphael Memorial Fund

everyone who is praying

friends and family for the financial support

Shirli and the Needle Arts Group for the blankets and hats

Susanna for the cleaning supplies

Susan, Laura, Sandie for nutritional help

Bob and Elaine for the motorhome

The Arena for the Batman blanket

Anne for the quilt

The Arena and The Ridge for supporting Carmen

Sunrise Church for the prayer quilt

Ms. Della Roca's 4th graders at St. Mary's for the beautiful cards

Josh and Lisa for the superman blanket

Oates Family

Celebrating Sienna's Baptism 2007

chillin'

more bands are here!

We've just received another shipment of 200 Strong and Courageous arm bands:How do I get one? They're available at Emmaus Church Community or you can send a request with a check to this address.How much? $2 covers our costs.Is this a fundraiser? No. We created these as a call to prayer and a quiet way to show support for our family during this season.

prayer bands

Thanks to all of you who are remembering to pray for Isaiah. Seeing these bands on friends in our community is a quiet, significant source of strength.